Although known mostly for its striking beaches and colse to paradise islands, Phuket has more to offer than just a Thailand life by the sea. Phuket town, which is the largest of Phuket's cities and the provincial capital and economic centre, is often overlooked by visitors to the island although it has much to offer.
The old town, for example, has examples architecture dating back to the colonial era when Phuket was a major shipping hub and known for its wealth in tin deposits. Both the British and the Portuguese had an interest in Phuket and the old town boasts many examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture that is hundreds of years old. Streets in the town have rows of old Portuguese style shop houses and Portuguese colonial style mansions are dotted about the town. After European interest in the Thailand society waned, so the Chinese took an active role and again this is evidenced by the Chinese architecture that is found throughout the city and to this many of the shop signs are in Chinese only.
Phuket Thailand
Because it is not known particularly as a traveler destination, Phuket town is not famed as being international in flavour which makes a great opportunity for visitors to get away from much of the commercialised parts of the island and feel a more authentic Thai feel. A large market in the town gives you the opportunity to buy items that are not aimed towards tourists and that you may not find everywhere else that you are likely to visit, whereas other items such as genuine Thai silks and Chinese crafts can be found.
Just a short trip away and with a nightlife that is considerably quieter than the more traveler orientated resorts on the island, Phuket town presents a great opportunity for those who want top get away from the beaches and party and to feel a more pedestrian way of Thai life.
Phuket Town - An Exotic Holiday Haven
